La Sallians were at a consensus last season – had Cameroonian Big Man Ben Mbala suited for the Green Archers, they would not have missed out on the Final Four. They might have even gone all the way to another championship.
Unfortunately, the Southwestern University-transferee was forced to sit out an extra year after already serving two seasons under the UAAP’s residency rules. Mbala had violated a strict UAAP rule about playing in commercial leagues and, despite prolonged deliberation, had to wait another year to make his UAAP debut.
“In the beginning, it was hard especially when they added one more year. I felt like I was going down. Luckily I had people to back me up, help me – just give me advice that it was not the end and good things were coming. I just focused on my studies, built my body and learned to be patient to not commit the same mistakes I did last year,” the Business Management undergraduate told the media.
Having played perhaps his finest game in a La Salle jersey, Mbala piled up 24 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks, leading the Green Archers over the University of the East Red Warriors for their second 2016 FilOil Flying V Preseason Cup win in as many matches.
The 21-year-old big man towered over UE’s frontline, out-muscling and dunking over the Red Warriors’ All-Filipino bigs.
“I was just trying to go hard to the basket – not to get denied. Luckily, I was able to make them (dunks). It feels good. It really feels good,” Mbala expressed. “After being out for three years, it really feels good to be back playing again and doing what I love – play basketball.”
Mbala used his almost-three seasons in UAAP purgatory to expand both his basketball IQ and muscles.
“I heard that in the UAAP, the physicality is way stronger here than in the CESAFI. So I had to really build my body up and be ready for whatever is going to happen in the UAAP. I have to be able to play at least 30 minutes because I really don’t have a backup,” Mbala said.
“For me it was all about learning the lectures of the game – how to read the double team, how to play with a second big man, learn how to kick off the ball. It’s not all about scoring but making the team look good and play good – involve everyone. It’s not just about scoring; you can get assists, you can get rebounds, so I’m learning to play on and off the ball.”
Running like a gazelle on the court, Mbala has found comfort in new head coach Aldin Ayo’s frantic pressure system.
“For me, it was really okay because I love running so it wasn’t hard for me. With him (Aldin Ayo) it’s trap, play D, get the rebound, then you run. I love it, I’m not complaining. I really like it,” he said about his new coach’s system.
Ayo, fresh from an NCAA title with the Letran Knights, has nothing but compliments for Mbala’s work ethic. In fact, Ayo finds his prized big man to be too much of a perfectionist.
“Maganda yung ugali ng bata e. Grabe magtrabaho,” Ayo said about La Salle’s prized recruit. “If there’s one setback here with Ben, he is a perfectionist.”
“Every time he commits a mistake, he gets frustrated with himself. Ngayon, nag-sesettle down na siya na kahit anong mangyari, kahit anong situwasyon, he just plays basketball,” Ayo expounded.
“Sana magtuloy-tuloy”
With Mbala in tow, a championship head coach, and a deep lineup, the Green Archers will be favored to win not only the FilOil title but the UAAP Season 79 Men’s Basketball crown.
Knowing that a lot of his team’s success depends on his play, Mbala uses the pressure as motivation.
“Everyone knows that the expectation on the team is really high. I’m just taking it as motivation. I know La Salle has been looking forward to see me play and hopefully get a championship. For now, I’m just trying to focus on what coach is asking me to do,” he concluded.
“Because it’s good to be good but if your teammates are not playing well with you, you won’t do anything.”
